Understanding Security Guard Roles: Key Responsibilities and Duties

Basic Security Guard Training Lesson (A): Security Guard Roles

Security services, both public and private, are crucial in every country. Public security is the responsibility of the government, while private Security Guard Roles is the protection of private and public properties.

In the last decade, the private security industry has experienced rapid growth, becoming one of the fastest-growing sectors worldwide.

Many countries face increasing challenges due to crime and radicalization, which are difficult to control.

While police departments are tasked with managing criminal activity, they are under constant pressure to ensure public safety with limited resources.

Decreasing budgets in the defense sector have made it harder for police forces to hire more personnel and acquire equipment, even as populations grow and crime rates rise.

This gap between the demand for police services and their capacity has led many countries to involve private security firms in supporting the public sector.

Since police officers cannot always be present, the role of security guards is to protect clients’ properties and notify the authorities if any criminal activity is observed.

There is significant evidence of security guards aiding the police in apprehending criminals, highlighting why private security has become an essential part of law enforcement in many regions.

Some countries have gone further by placing private security companies and personnel under the supervision of police authorities.

Security services can generally be divided into two categories: public security and private security.

1.  Public Security:

Public security agencies include municipal, provincial, and federal police forces. These agencies are established by the government and operate to serve the public interest by maintaining safe and secure communities.

The four primary objectives of public security are:

• Preserve and protect life.
• Preserve and protect property.
• Enforce laws.
• Conduct investigations.

Police functions:- include traffic management, guarding, criminal investigations, immigration control, air and sea security, and major event security.

Public security agencies have broad authority for arrests, investigations, and the use of force, powers that are not extended to private security guards or the general public.

2.  Private Security:

Private security agencies differ from public security because they serve the client’s interests. The security guard roles in private firms is to offer protection in exchange for a fee, without the same powers as public security officers in terms of arrest, detention, or search and seizure.

Common private security practices include:

•  Uniformed guards
•  Event security
• VIP protection
• Security patrols
• Residential Security
•  Commercial Security

Security solutions offered by private firms can include:

• Perimeter protection (fences, walls, doors)
• Alarm and surveillance systems (CCTV cameras, alarm devices)
• Fire prevention and control (automatic detectors, extinguishing systems)
• Emergency and disaster planning
• Accident prevention and safety measures

 Common Duties of a Security Guard:

•  Protect buildings, grounds, contents, occupants, and visitors.
•  Enforce rules and regulations of the site.
• Direct pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

 Roles of a Security Guard:

Security guards have multiple roles in protecting people, property, and information. These roles can be broken down into three main categories:

 1. Security Guard Roles to the Employer:

The first responsibility of a security guard is to protect the employer’s life and property. This includes:

• Ensuring the premises are secure from various man-made and natural threats.
• Preventing, detecting, and responding to criminal activities on the property.
• Reassuring your employer that security risks will not disrupt their business.

2. Security Guard Roles to the Public:

Security guards are often deployed to protect the public during events. In these situations, the role of security guards is to ensure public safety by preventing injuries and losses.

Additionally, security guards assist law enforcement in reducing crime by providing critical information, conducting preliminary investigations, or securing crime scenes until the police arrive.

Security guards can also assist in emergencies by acting as leaders and directing people to safety. For instance, during a fire, a security guard may guide firefighters to the exact location of the blaze, preventing confusion and speeding up rescue efforts.

In criminal investigations, security guards often provide key information to law enforcement and may testify in court to identify suspects or present evidence.

3. Security Guard Roles to Themselves:

As a security guard, you must recognize the importance of your role as a professional. With the heavy responsibility of protecting people, property, and sensitive information, you must act with professionalism, seriousness, and responsibility in every duty you perform.

This understanding of security guard roles is vital for ensuring the safety and security of your clients, the public, and yourself.

Other lessons;

• General duties and responsibilities of security guard _________________ LESSON -2

• Notebook writing _________________________________________ LESSON – 3

• Professionalism __________________________________________ LESSON – 4

• public relation ____________________________________________ LESSON – 5

• Important of teamwork security guard training ___________________ LESSON – 6

• The Elements of Integrity _______________________________________ LESSON – 7